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WWW.WEIRDFISH.CO.UK | FALL EDITION 2O21

LIFE

FASHION | LIFESTYLE | TRAVEL | FOOD

1. Beatrix | 2. Lakeway | 3. Barrow | 4. Rini

CONTENTS FALL EDITION Autumn is upon us! The evenings are getting longer, the leaves on the trees are turning an array of beautiful shades and we have packed away the summer shorts for another year. In this edition of WEIRD FISH LIFE, you’ll find autumnal outfit inspiration, delicious treats, and great seasonal activities to do with the family.

4 | KNOCKOUT KNITS An essential for those cold, windy days, a cosy, practical knit! From Fair Isle prints to roll necks and more, you’ll love our new knitwear range.

8 | MAKE IT MACARONI The Mac is back! Our favourite cold weather staple is back and available in a host of new colours.

12 | OUT IN OUTERWEAR A good coat is a must to brave the great British weather! Browse our range of wadded coats, waterproof jackets and more.

14 | THE FINISHING TOUCH Add an extra layer of warm and pizazz to your outfit with our range of warm autumn accessories.

16 | IT’S SHIRT SEASON From check shirts to shackets, you’ll find every must-have style of the season, here at Weird Fish.

20 | FOREVER IN FLEECE Soft, cosy and exactly what you need this season. Explore our range of toasty fleeces for men and women.

24 | DARE TO DENIM Our new range of organic cotton denim jeans and skirts will keep you looking good all year round.

26 | CAMPING TREATS Did somebody say marshmallows? These delicious camping treats and rich, hot drinks will keep you happy this season.

30 | 10 AUTUMN ACTIVITIES Need a little inspiration? From stargazing to knitting, our autumn activities guide will keep you entertained.

34 | GREAT AUTUMN READS There is nothing better than a good book! We picked 5 of our favourite books to read this Autumn.

37 | THE PERFECT PAMPER EVENING Need a little bit of you time? Follow our step by step guide to the perfect pamper evening.

38 | DRESS TO IMPRESS A dress for every occasion, check out our latest range of autumn and winter dresses.

42 | FROM CAMPING TO GLAMPING Turn your camping trip into a glamping trip with our top tips to upgrade your staycation.

Knockout KNITS Warm and cosy is how we like to be this season! Knitwear is an autumn staple and a great way to keep the heat in.

DID YOU KNOW? Fair Isle is an actual island, fairly isolated, north of Scotland in the Shetland archipelago.

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Add an extra layer to your outfit with a cardigan or jumper, or go all out and try a knitted dress. 1. Briar | 2. Kilkenny | 3. Carlina | 4. Sonnie | 5. Bunratty

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6. Miska | 7. Fenna | 8. Monty | 9. Ralph

Macaroni MAKE IT

Practical, unique and exclusive to Weird Fish, our Macaroni sweatshirts are a must-have in your autumn wardrobe. From full-zip to ¼ zip fleece styles, a rainbow of colours to choose from and their eco-friendly composition, our Macaroni are an excellent extra layer to wear during the chillier months.

1. Aria | 2. Stern

3. Caddis | 4. Vettia 5. Sampson | 6. Johanna

Macaroni MAKE IT

ORGANIC COTTON

This organic, cotton-rich, slow-spun yarn is made on circular knitting machines.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

PET is the same polyester material that is used in clear plastic water bottles, recycling it to create fabric prevents it from going to landfill.

NATURAL VISCOSE

Originating from natural resources, Viscose has a myriad of brilliant qualities, which makes it one of our favourite fibres.

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Accessories 2

MEN’S

Mexia

Arcus

Brolin

Fernley

Nishin

Somerset

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THE FINISHING TOUCH Finish off your cold-weather outfits in style with our range of knitted accessories for men and women. From scarves, gloves, hats and more, we have everything you need to stay toasty warm this season.

WOMEN’S 6

Ellor

Livvy

Nikki

Allium

Ninah

Lupin

Lantana

Corey

It’s Shirt

SEASON

Make a statement this season. Whether it is on a sunny autumnal day or a brisk wintery walk, a shirt or shacket is a great way to spice up your outfits. 16

HOW TO STYLE A SHIRT Shirts are super versatile, making them a great addition to your wardrobe. There are many ways to wear a shirt and we are going to show you how to rock your favourite shirt day in day out.

1. Button up to the neck for an alternative look, hey, even add a bow tie or tie if you want to create a more formal or unique ensemble! 2. Roll up the sleeves, a great option if it gets a little warm. It looks great too. 3. Wear unbuttoned with a t-shirt. Why not try a graphic Artist t-shirt to add personality to your outfits? This is a super flexible style. When it gets cold you can button up the shirt and when it is hot, roll the sleeves up! 4. Try wearing a jumper underneath your shirt for an extra later of warmth! This is a unique way to create a cool and cosy look.

1. Tyburn | 2. Everman | 3. Cullin

5 4. Chester | 5. Tyburn | 6. Beasley

WHY NOT TRY A SHACKET? Hardwearing, warm and cosy, a shacket is a great alternative to a jacket. With the warmth of a fleece, the appearance of a shirt and the feel of a jacket, you’ll love rocking the Tyburn check fleece shacket this season.

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FOREVER IN

Fleece

We are famous for our fleece! Super soft, great for everyday wear and a staple in everybody’s wardrobe, a fleece is easy to pop on when the weather takes a chilly turn.

1. Burleson | 2. Sarno | 3. Shasta | 4. Silvermine | 5. Beaufort

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FOUR REASONS TO LOVE FLEECE 1. There are so many different options. From ¼ zip to full zip fleeces, pullovers and more, there is a style of fleece to suit you. 2. It is a functional and fashionable staple in your autumn-winter wardrobe. 3. Fleece is super soft and cosy, keeping you nice and warm all season long.

6. Lewis | 7. Beyonce | 8. Pippy | 9. Olten

4. They go with everything! Whether you’re rocking a pair of joggers, denim jeans, leggings or a skirt, you can pair it with a fleece jumper for a cosy outfit.

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DA R E

to denim

Made from rich organic cotton with oceans of denim shades to choose from, you’ll find your perfect pair at Weird Fish. Our iconic denim range has had a makeover this season! Now made from organic cotton, our denim jeans and denim skirts are having a positive impact on the planet.

Made from organic cotton Available in short, regular, and long lengths A range of denim washes available Hand slip pockets and coin pocket

RINI 1

MYERS

3 4

ROBSON BARROW

MORE COLOURS AVAILABLE

CAMPING TREATS Kirsty, we like to say is our resident baker, providing us with fun recipes to share with the shoal. This season we have two sticky sweet recipes perfect for the lover of the great outdoors. Inspired by traditional camping treats, these two recipes are the perfect treat this autumn.

“

We are not here for long. So, let’s at least make ourselves something good to eat.

– Nigel Slater, A Year of Good Eating

MARVELLOUS MARSHMALLOWS Squishy, sticky, sweet goodness, marshmallows are a favourite with all the family. Great for those campfire evenings enjoying the great outdoors or lounging on the sofa watching re-runs of Gilmore Girls, you’ll love making and snacking on these marvellous marshmallows.

INGREDIENTS 340g granulated sugar 48g unflavoured gelatine powder 280g liquid glucose 1/2tsp salt 5tsp vanilla extract 150g icing sugar 150g corn flour

METHOD 1

In a small bowl, mix the powdered gelatine with 120ml cold water and leave it to bloom for 5-10 minutes. It should resemble very grainy jelly. Melt in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir until there are no lumps. Pour the gelatine into the bowl of a stand mixer along with half of the liquid glucose and whisk at a low speed.

To make the sugar syrup, pour the sugar, salt and remaining liquid glucose into a small saucepan with 240ml cold water. Using a thermometer as a guide, heat the syrup to approximately 112°C-115°C.

Once the syrup reaches the right temperature, remove the thermometer, and slowly pour into the bowl of your stand mixer. Turn the mixer up to a medium-high speed and leave to run for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, the mixture should have doubled in size and started to turn white. Turn the speed up again as high as it will go and leave to mix for 10 minutes.

It’s time to prepare your tin! Grease a deep 10×10-inch baking tin, lined with cling film and grease again with flavourless oil.

Once that’s done, sift the icing sugar and cornflour into a bowl and whisk to combine.

At this stage, the marshmallow mixture should be able to hold its shape but if it’s still too thin and easily drops off the whisk, don’t panic – keep whisking and check it every couple of minutes until you get along, thick drip shape. Add the vanilla and mix on high speed for another two minutes until it’s fully incorporated.

Lightly grease a silicone spatula with oil and scrape your marshmallow mixture into your prepared tin. You will need to act fast as the marshmallow will immediately begin to set and keep in mind that it’s very sticky. Spread the mixture into the corners of the tin and smooth the top, then sprinkle with a handful of your icing sugar/cornflour mixture. Leave the marshmallow to set at room temperature for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out of the tin onto a surface dusted with icing sugar and cornflour. Cutting the marshmallows can be a challenge because they’re so sticky, so it’s best to soak a sharp knife in boiling water for a few minutes before slicing them into pieces. Pop the marshmallows into a bowl with the remaining icing sugar and cornflour and toss them around until they’re fully coated. Sift to get rid of any excess and enjoy!

THE S’MORE THE MERRIER CUPCAKES A classic American camping snack, Kirsty’s s’more cupcakes are the perfect way to enjoy s’mores without the chilly English weather getting in the way.

Chocolate cupcakes

Biscuit crust

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS 160g digestive biscuits

180g plain flour

75g butter

1tsp baking soda

50g light brown sugar

225g caster sugar 60g cocoa powder 1/4tsp salt

METHOD

1tsp ground coffee

2 large eggs (room temperature)

175g softened butter

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F, gas mark 4) and place 12 cupcake cases into a muffin tin. Place the digestive biscuits into a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Melt 75g butter in the microwave and combine with the biscuit crumbs and brown sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake case. To make the cupcakes, start by combining all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix well (the mixture should have a crumbly texture). In a jug, whisk the eggs, milk, sour

175ml milk 2tbsp sour cream 1tsp vanilla extract

cream, and vanilla together. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Divide the cupcake batter between the prepared cupcake cases, filling to about twothirds of the way, and bake for 22-25 minutes.

Allow the cupcakes to cool for a few minutes into the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with some delicious marshmallow frosting and enjoy!

THE PERFECT PUMPKIN SPICE The symbol Autumn is here for many is the availability of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Why not try making your own?

INGREDIENTS makes one

2 tsp pumpkin purée Pinch of ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve (or use pumpkin spice) Pinch of ground ginger pinch of ground nutmeg 30ml espresso or strong coffee 250ml milk (can be dairy or non-dairy)

METHOD 1

Put the pumpkin purée in a large heatproof glass or mug. Stir in the spices and espresso or strong coffee.

Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat until steaming and frothy. Pour into the glass or mug, and spoon over any froth. Stir to combine, then dust with more cinnamon or some pumpkin spice before serving

HOMELY HOT CHOCOLATE Great for those cold autumn and winter nights, a rich and delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows, of course!

INGREDIENTS 600ml milk

makes four

142ml pot double cream 100g chopped chocolate

METHOD Pour the milk, double cream and chopped chocolate into a pan. Bring gently to the boil, whisking until smooth. Serve in individual cups or mugs topped with mini marshmallows and a little grated chocolate.

10 ACTIVITIES

TO DO THIS AUTUMN

Explore the great outdoors on a nature walk

Bake or cook together

The world is a beautiful place, particularly when the seasons start to change. Autumn is one of our favourite seasons because it means we can pop on our walking boots and Macaroni jumpers and go out and explore. There are tons (and we mean TONS) of great parks and forests to visit up and down the UK all with their unique foliage, weather, and walks.

As Christmas creeps upon us, so does the appetite for delicious treats. Baking or cooking together is a great way to educate children about the importance of cooking and avoid the dreaded beans on toast university student life later down the road. Why not try making desserts, snacks, and wholesome wintery meals such as casseroles together?

Pumpkin picking and carving

It is officially Halloween season which means it is Pumpkin time. Why not visit your local pumpkin patch (your local farm shop is likely to have one), pick out a pumpkin and get your children or grandkids to draw out their chosen design, then a responsible adult can carve their designs into the pumpkin. It makes for an excellent spooky addition to the household!

Make autumnal art together As the leaves fall, pinecones, conkers and more, why not make some foliage art! It is a great way to use those leaves that are piling up in the garden, as well as create memories and art!

Knit a scarf Knitting is making a comeback, why not make yourself something that you can cherish? You can share this skill with your children or grandchildren. Making a scarf is the easiest way to introduce yourself to the wonderful world of knitting, there are so many colours of wool to choose from, stitches to try and styles to knit.

See the Hunter’s Moon The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon normally occurs between October and November. It is a beautiful sight to see! In the time of folklore, it would be the last time Father and Son would hunt until the spring, larders would be filled, and fires would start to be stoked. 31

Check out a firework display to celebrate bonfire night Fireworks are a wonder to watch, but like many, we believe they should just be saved for the 5th of November, bonfire night. You can find registered events to enjoy the festivities. ink to find local displays: https://bit.ly/3lKrawl The fireworks only tell part of the story, so, why not learn a little about the plot to assassinate the Protestant King James in 1605 before heading off to your display? Find out more about the history of bonfire night: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15351828

Stargazing Autumn is the best time to get out in the evenings and stargaze – whether that is relaxing in the garden on a deck chair, wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate or walking the dog. This time of year’s perfect for stargazing as it gets darker earlier, therefore, you don’t need to stay up late to get a great view, plus, the weather isn’t too cold that you’re desperately wanting to return to the comfort of the indoors. If you’re lucky, on a clear night you may even be able to see some constellations!

Get the gardening gloves out Autumn is the ideal time to get the trowel out start thinking about the garden and what is to come in the following months. This is a great activity to do with the kids and get them learning the importance of sustainable living habits such as growing your own vegetables. Seeds that can be sown in autumn include sweet peas, strawberries, garlic, onion, pak choi, spinach and more.

CAMPING

Whether it is in your backyard or glamping at some luxury resort, camping is a stereotypical autumn activity. Knowing how to set up a tent is a skill we would all like to tick off the list and what better way to do it than to get the kids involved, you can build the tent together, make delicious campfire snacks like our Marvellous Marshmallows and do the next thing on our list! Just make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, sleeping bags and bedding so you’re nice and cosy! 33

GREAT AUTUMN

reads

Now that the nights are getting longer, it is prime time to crack open a new book to enjoy in the evenings while curled up with a blanket and a cuppa. Here are a few of our picks to enjoy this season.

1. Arran Longline Linen Shirt 34

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE J.K ROWLING

Autumn is the time where magic and mystery fill the air. Why not check out the highly regarded wizarding story of Harry Potter? In the first of the series, Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY MATT HAIG

Nora’s life has been going from bad to worse. Then at the stroke of midnight on her last day on earth, she finds herself transported to a library. There she is given the chance to undo her regrets and try out each of the other lives she might have lived. Which raises the ultimate question: with infinite choices, what is the best way to live?

THE GLASS HOUSE EVE CHASE

The truth can shatter everything . . . On a sweltering hot summer day, when the Harrington family discovers an abandoned baby deep in the shady woods, they decide to keep her a secret and raise her as their own. Within days a body is found in the grounds of their house and their perfect new family implodes. Years later, Sylvie, seeking answers to nagging questions about her life, is drawn into the wild beautiful woods where nothing is quite what it seems

THE LITTLE MERMAID AND OTHER FAIRY TALES HANS CHRISTIAN

Great for the magic lover or those with young children, this book features beloved characters such as the Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, and The Snow Queen, a deluxe full-colour edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tales, illustrated with stunning drawings and interactive artwork from MinaLima, the award-winning design studio behind the graphics for the Harry Potter film franchise—the perfect companion for fans of the Disney live-action film The Little Mermaid which will include a mix of songs from Hamilton‘s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken.

THE STORYTELLER: TALES OF LIFE AND MUSIC DAVID GROHL

Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities (‘It’s a piece of cake! Just do four hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!’), David has decided to write these stories, in his own hand. The joy that he has felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to songs he has recorded and can’t wait to share with the world or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook or even hearing his voice bounce between the Kiss posters on the wall as a child. 36

THE PERFECT PAMPER EVENING Revitalise and relax after a day out in the cold. There is no crime in having a pamper evening, it is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day at work or chilly autumn walk, an all-around bad day or to prep for a big event. So, light a candle, get the wine at the ready and read our how-to guide on having the perfect pamper evening.

Get the bubbles going

Slather on a hair mask

Baths have a host of benefits, heat can help with muscle pain, relieve skin conditions, and even help you sleep better! Treat yourself to a long hot bath after a long day and we guarantee you’ll feel better..

Your hair needs some love too! A hair mask is designed to give your hair an extra boost that regular conditioners just won’t do. Full of nourishing ingredients a hair mask will give your hair extra shine, make it feel stronger and help revive it from the daily heat styling, sun exposure and chemical treatments.

Nails, brows, and all

Face mask

Nails can often get neglected, hidden away in socks or gloves, but our nails are important, they help us open things and enhance our fine motor movement. Cutting, filing, and using a cuticle oil can benefit your nails and help your hands look neat, you can also pop on some nail polish to add that final touch. Much like fingernails, your eyebrows don’t just sit there for no reason, they help prevent sweat, water and other substances dripping into the eye. Shaping or tidying up your eyebrows can create a completely different appearance to ungroomed eyebrows, if you haven’t tried this before, why not visit your local salon and get your eyebrows professionally done? Then from there, you can just neaten up with tweezers!

Sometimes popping a face mask on is all you need to do to boost your mood. Masks can target a host of issues from oily, decongested skin to improve dark spots and the appearance of breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. There are many different types to choose from including clay, gel, cream, and sheet masks, why not test a few out and find out what type you and your skin enjoy the most?!

Moisturise Many of us regularly moisturise our face but not our body, it is a long process and simply put, we don’t always have the time. Moisturizing the skin can be relaxing but it also benefits the skin by softening and hydrating it. If you’re a tan fan (fake or not) moisturising can help prolong your tan and it can also help reduce the signs of ageing, improving the appearance of wrinkles. How do you like to relax? Let us know on social!

DRESS TO

Impress

Stylish and on-trend all year round, the humble dress. An all in one outfit that makes looking good every day easy. Your seasonal favourites are back in new prints and colours, from our best-selling eco-friendly Starshine dress, long sleeve Delray to our classic cord Domino dress, there is a Weird Fish classic for you. 38

1. Briar | 2. Mirei | 3. Starshine

1. Elowen | 2. Domino | 3. Markle

IF YOU LOVE OUR STARSHINE, WHY NOT TRY THE MARKLE? The same cut and fit as our Starshine, the Markle features a touch of pizazz with a special foil 4 print, great for those up and coming work do’s and Christmas parties.

HOW TO TURN YOUR CAMPING TRIP INTO A GLAMPING TRIP

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Camping is a great way to spend time with the people you love. From toasting marshmallows, hiking through the forest and having a laugh and a cry putting up the tent, because no one has any idea what they’re doing, camping can be a bucket of fun!

HERE ARE THE FIVE THINGS TO DO TO UPGRADE YOUR CAMPING TRIP PICK A PICTURESQUE PLACE TO CAMP

Location is everything when it comes to camping. Camping in the back garden with the kids can be plenty of fun, but if you’re venturing further afield why not do some research into the most beautiful campsites near you or where you’re travelling to.

CHOOSE A GOOD TENT Choosing a good quality tent is the key to having a good time. Everyone has a different opinion on what makes a great tent, but here are the few things we think are important to consider: Double skinned so it will not leak if it rains. Opt for a head height tent to avoid a sore back. Easy to assemble and disassemble. A good rule of thumb is to buy a tent twice as big you think you will need. If 3-4 people are camping, go for an 8 man tent. You will be grateful for the extra space! A tent is an investment, go for good quality, trusted brands.

A COSY PLACE TO SLEEP

If you’re not a fan of a sleeping bag, why not upgrade to something you’re a little more use to? Trade the sleeping bag in for an inflatable mattress and your winter bedding (pillows, sheets, duvets).

DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK

Camping is all about the experience. Invest in a cooler to keep your food fresh and make sure you have a portable grill. Bacon and egg sandwiches anyone?

A NICE PLACE TO EAT

One element of camping that often puts people off is comfort. You’ve got your roomy tent and cosy bedding, now it is time for a good place to eat. Bring foldable chairs and a table with you. This will make mealtimes a lot more enjoyable than sitting in the mud!